When Halloween comes around every year, we tend to gravitate towards the things that are creepy and scary. From visiting haunted houses to watching horror movies, there are a lot of fun and spooky things to do. While a lot of Halloween activities created specifically to scare us, there are some places in the United States that don’t need any animatronic monsters or decorations to give us a fright. Check out some of the creepiest, haunted locations in the nation that have long histories of ghost sightings and unexplained occurrences.
The Stanley Hotel
Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel, in Estes Park, Colorado, is a historic gem with a haunted past that has captured the imagination of visitors from around the world. It is known best for being the inspiration behind Stephen King’s spine-tingling novel and movie, “The Shining.” Guests and staff have reported a range of ghostly encounters over the years, adding to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted hotels. One of the most famous “ghosts” on the property is said to be F.O. Stanley himself, the hotel’s original owner. The connection to Stephen King’s “The Shining” really sets the Stanley Hotel apart. King and his wife stayed at the hotel in the 1970s, and it was during their stay that King was inspired to write the novel. Many believe that the spirits within the hotel played a role in inspiring the eerie events that unfold in the book. Visitors to the Stanley Hotel can take ghost tours, explore its historic halls, and even book a room for a chance to experience the supernatural firsthand.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary is a hauntingly historic former prison that once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone (yes, he served in places other than Alcatraz). With its imposing Gothic architecture and eerie cellblocks, it’s a magnet for those seeking ghostly encounters and a glimpse into America’s criminal past. Visitors often report unexplained phenomena, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
Myrtles Plantation
St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation, nestled in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a historic site with a reputation for being one of America’s most haunted places. This charming Southern plantation is shrouded in ghostly legends, with the most famous being the spirit of Chloe, a former slave. Visitors have reported eerie encounters, such as unexplained footsteps, mysterious voices, and even sightings of ghostly figures. The Myrtles’ haunted history adds an intriguing layer to its rich past, making it a captivating destination for those curious about the supernatural.
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, California
Alcatraz, the notorious island prison located off the coast of San Francisco, California, has a chilling reputation for being a haunted place. Once home to some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, it’s now famous for eerie occurrences and ghostly tales. Visitors often report hearing unexplained sounds, witnessing strange apparitions, and experiencing an overall unsettling atmosphere. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Alcatraz’s haunted history is sure to give you goosebumps and make you question the mysteries that linger within its walls.
Gettysburg Battlefield
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg Battlefield is where one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place. It’s no wonder that it’s teeming with paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing phantom gunshots and seeing ghostly soldiers still fighting their battles. It’s a history lesson you won’t forget!
The Queen Mary
Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary, a majestic ocean liner docked in Long Beach, California, is renowned for its storied past and reputation as a haunted place. Once a luxurious vessel, it’s now a floating hotel with a twist. Visitors have reported ghostly encounters, including mysterious footsteps, unexplained temperature drops, and eerie noises in the night. The ship’s haunted history adds a spine-tingling dimension to its maritime charm, making it a captivating destination for those intrigued by the supernatural.
The Whaley House
San Diego, California
The Whaley House is often called the most haunted house in America. It’s a historical home turned museum that’s said to be home to a host of spirits, including the Whaley family themselves. Ghostly footsteps and disembodied voices are just the tip of the paranormal iceberg here.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts, is a charming town famous for its haunted history and Halloween celebrations. Known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem has a spooky past that continues to captivate visitors. The town’s historic sites, witch-themed museums, and eerie atmosphere make it a popular tourist destination for Halloween enthusiasts. During the spooky season, the streets come alive and the town’s haunted legacy takes center stage. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a thrilling Halloween experience, Salem offers an exciting blend of history and the supernatural.
The Crescent Hotel
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has a dark history. It once served as a cancer hospital in the 1930s, and guests have reported hearing ghostly cries and seeing apparitions, especially on the infamous Room 218.
The Lizzie Borden House
Fall River, Massachusetts
Step into the real-life murder mystery at the Lizzie Borden House, where Lizzie Borden was accused of brutally axing her parents in 1892. The house is now a bed and breakfast, and visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds and feeling an eerie presence.
The Hotel Del Coronado
Coronado, California
The Hotel Del Coronado, known as “The Del,” is a majestic beachfront resort with a haunting twist. The spirit of a young woman named Kate Morgan, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1892, is said to linger here. Guests have reported flickering lights, sudden temperature drops, and unexplained noises.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Weston, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, once home to thousands of mentally ill patients, is a place where the line between the living and the dead blurs. Visitors have encountered shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and unsettling apparitions in the decaying halls of this colossal asylum.